McCaskill annoyed by GOP tactics

WASHINGTON — Sen. Claire McCaskill says Republicans have sunk to a new low after a tactical maneuver forced her to cancel a subcommittee hearing on police training in Afghanistan.

The Missouri Democrat spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday, minutes before a subcommittee she leads was scheduled to meet.

McCaskill says she had to cancel a hearing with witnesses from the State Department and Defense Department because Republicans have invoked obscure rules that prevent hearings from taking place without unanimous consent.

The tactic is one element of GOP efforts to slow health care reform in the Senate.

Speaking on the Senate floor, McCaskill said the maneuver is a "new low of obstructionism" and "taking game playing to a whole new level."